Secure Enclosure Derived from Aluminum Can with Slot Cover

Abstract

A piggy bank, collection box, or ballot box made from an aluminum can having a slot made near its upper outer rim; preferably having a cover thereon, and preferably one themed for a fundraising or saving purpose or being the terminus of a slide.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for tearing a slot in a beverage can for the purpose of making a secure enclosure comprising a substantially rigid body having a bottom cutting surface whose width is or exceeds two millimeters, and further comprising a handle connected to the body. 
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein an end of the body terminates in a cutting point that would be suitable for either puncturing a side wall of a beverage can or for expanding a small hole previously made in the can so that the bottom cutting surface could pass partially within the can. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a barrier between the handle and the bottom cutting surface. 
     
     
         4 . A secure enclosure comprising an aluminum beverage can having a Goldilocks zone and a horizontal slot cut into the Goldilocks zone and which horizontal slot is wide and tall enough to permit the passage of coins and folded paper currency. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , further comprising a slot cover which is affixed to the can and which has a slot cover opening, and whereby the slot cover opening is positioned over the horizontal slot to permit the passage of coins and folded paper currency into the can through both the slot cover opening and the horizontal slot. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , further comprising a slot cover having a shape that suggests the purpose for which funds are being collected. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the shape is a cross, Star of David, soccer ball, basketball, baseball, football, goalposts, baseball bat, hockey stick, book, badge, rod of Asclepius, or substantially a two-dimensional view of any of the foregoing. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , further comprising a slot cover having a slide incorporated therewith which permits coins placed at the top of the slide to slide along its slope and drop into the slot. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , whereby the means of affixing the slot cover to the can is a plug which penetrates the can and anchors the slot in place. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , whereby the means of affixing the slot cover to the can is adhesive. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , whereby the means of affixing the slot cover to the can is a thin object coated on both sides with adhesive which is placed between the slot cover and the can and which physically connects the slot cover to the can. 
     
     
         12 . A method of making a secure enclosure comprising the steps, in either order, of:
 (i) making a substantially horizontal slot in the side of a beverage can in the can's Goldilocks zone of sufficient size and width to pass coins and folded paper money; and   (ii) affixing a slot cover to the can such that the opening in the slot cover is over the substantially horizontal slot in a manner that would permit coins and folded paper money to be passed through them.